Cactus roots inspire creation of water-retaining material
(PHYSorg.com Chemistry)

During rare desert rainfalls, cacti waste no time sopping up and storing a storm`s precious precipitation. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, scientists report in a study appearing ACS Macro Letters that they have developed a material that mimics cactus roots` ability to rapidly absorb and retain vast amounts of water with a minimal amount of evaporation. They say this unique material could lead to new and improved cosmetics, medical devices and other everyday products.